2018 was full of great news stories from all over the area! We took a look at our top articles from 2018 and were amazed by the sheer number of events, activities, and positive moments we were able to share.

I sat in the passenger seat on the Indiana Toll Road headed for Chicago with my fingers anxiously twirling a strand of my curls, when my friend who was driving gently pushed my hands to my lap and encouraged me to not be nervous.

I grew up in Lake Village, a small town here in Indiana most haven’t even heard of, with my two older sisters and younger brother. I’ve always loved the small town feel, but when I married my husband we moved to a larger town, North Judson. We live peacefully with our evil cat and three year old munchkin, who are the most important people in my life. With all that said, there are still a few more layers to peel back. After getting a degree in Graphic Design, I worked as a manager in the food service for a few years, and worked on photography as well on the side. I’d like to believe I’m well rounded, with so many interests in the mix, it's hard to settle with just one. I’m also that person who will talk to you in line at the grocery store, even if I don’t know you (Thanks Mom!).

THANK YOU! The love and support for our football team has been incredible! While we came up short in our semi-state playoff game, we must take a moment to thank the amazing people of Michigan City who have made this experience so special. Being able to call ourselves Back-To-Back IHSAA Regional Football Champions is great accomplishment!

During Doc’s time as Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent at Portage Township Schools I had the pleasure to work with him as both a member of the community and later as school attorney. He was an inspirational, once in a generation leader. I have never met a more competent person in education. However, what inspired you most about him was his passion for children and their learning. It drove everything he did – everything. It was why he woke up in the morning. It was his why.

Now almost 10 years ago we started this crazy mission, and the cliff notes version has been a story made up of one part innovation, two parts madness, three doses of perseverance, and a relentless response to the question of what good news do you have to share.

It’s hard to put into words all that Teresa Ludlow, who recently passed, was to so many people. Even referencing her in past tense is its own challenge. As I think to times I would describe Teresa to those who didn’t know her I’d say, “Teresa is crazy, and I absolutely adore her!” As Clerk Treasurer, Teresa selflessly served in a role that was unimaginably complex with little opportunities for others to fully appreciate her talent.

Paid Internships Available The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid, spring-semester internships to college students, recent college graduates and graduate students during the 2019 legislative session.

Reading proficiency is an important precursor to success in school. In fact, kids who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to graduate high school. Yet, only 36% of fourth-grade students in the United States are proficient (or better) in reading according to National Assessment of Educational Progress. It’s a troubling statistic and one that can have dire consequences on our children’s success in school, work, and life.